Liver Transplant Facts and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the pros and
cons of having a liver transplantation?

A: Liver transplant is
a life-saving operation. You will enjoy
better health, a longer life expectancy and a better quality of life. The cons
include surgical complications, organ rejection or other post-surgery complications, side effects of the immunosuppressive drugs, and medical costs that may not be covered by insurance.

Q: How do I get on the
waiting list to receive a liver?

A: First, ask your
doctor for a referral to the Lahey Liver Transplant Program. Then make an
appointment for an initial consultation. If you and your physicians feel it is
appropriate for you to continue, a comprehensive, two-day evaluation will be
scheduled. Two weeks after that, the transplant team will meet to review all
the information that was gathered and, if there are no outstanding issues, your
name will be placed on the waiting list.

A: Liver waiting list
times can range from weeks to years, depending on a number of factors. The
average waiting time in New England for a liver is about 2 to 2½ years.

Q: Who can be a live
liver donor?

A: Live liver donors are relatives, friends or
acquaintances of the person needing a liver transplant. Living donors must be between 18
and 60 years old, have a compatible blood type and body size as determined by
height and weight. Potential donors must have no serious medical conditions such as liver disease, diabetes, heart disease, or cancer.

Q: How long will I be
in the hospital after a liver transplant?

A: Following a liver
transplant, most people are in the hospital for about 7-10 days.

Q: Do I need to take
medication after a liver transplant?

A: You will start taking
immunosuppressant medications immediately after surgery. Patients in our
transplant program take at least one immunosuppressive medication for the rest
of their lives.

Q: Can I return to work
after a liver transplant?

A: Absolutely. Most
people need at least six months to recover from surgery before they return to
work on a full-time basis. Some people choose to return part-time if they are still experiencing fatigue.

Q: Can I travel after a
liver transplant?

A: Yes. You can travel
near and far as long as you always have your medication with you.

Q: Can I have children
after a liver transplant?

A: Yes. Following
transplant, women have become pregnant and have delivered healthy babies, and
men have fathered children. Planning a pregnancy, however, should be carefully
discussed with the transplant team.

Q: Can I play sports
after a liver transplant?

A: Yes. Everyday sports
such as tennis, golf, softball and basketball are not only fun, but also a good
way to stay in shape following transplant.